How do you dispose of used, expired or unwanted asthma inhalers, and used medicine blister packs (aluminium packs containing pills and tablets)?
Probably, by trashing them into a bin. However, there is a much environmentally safer way of disposing them once they’re not needed anymore. Medical items like asthma inhalers are actually hazardous to the environment when thrown away improperly.
Pressurised asthma inhalers are often discarded before they are completely empty, and these inhalers contain propellants that release greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.
Healthcare systems alone contribute to 5.9 million tonnes of solid waste in landfills, accounting for over 4 per cent of carbon emissions globally. Asthma inhalers are among these medical waste items.
For proper and safe disposal, GSK Pharmacy came up with a brilliant solution – placing a drop off bin at pharmacies nationwide to collect used, expired or unwanted inhalers, and medicine blister packs.
GSK launched the #GiveBack campaign in June last year, to promote responsible disposal of medical waste, reduce landfill waste, and prevent unused medications and greenhouse gases from contaminating the environment.
